Formation of emulsions by using liquid crystal and their application to cosmetology

Abstract

It is known that O/W cream is solidified with the network structure of liquid crystals formed by fatty alcohols and surfactants in water phase. The liquid crystals are responsible for rich feeling of creams, and provide the skin moisturizing effect of creams. In this review, we discussed about the liquid crystals formed by surfactants and fatty alcohols, and emulsions using them from the viewpoint of cosmetics. At first, the microscopic structure of emulsion having liquid crystal is summarized. In the second, new type formulations utilizing liquid crystals, which have extremely low viscosity and transparent appearance, were referred.